The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) was awarded a $1,500,000 Project Grant by the U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration (CFDA 17.289 - Community Project Funding/Congressionally Directed Spending) on March 1, 2024. The goal of this grant is to fund workforce development, vocational education, and community revitalization initiatives across sectors such as STEM, healthcare, and technical skills training. As a doctoral research institution, USM plans to leverage its academic expertise to deliver a range of services through this award, including scientific research, testing and analysis, training programs, and community outreach. The three-year grant period runs through February 28, 2027. No specific details on sub-awards were provided.